Comparing the 3 major cloud computing platforms

Cloud services offer ultimate accessibility, reduce network and hardware costs, and improve team communication, as well as providing businesses access to a range of applications. More and more businesses are discovering the benefits of working in the cloud, with the public cloud services market expected to reach $226.4 billion in 2020.

There are three major public cloud computing platforms: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. In this article, we’ll compare their pros and cons and what makes them suitable for different kinds of businesses.

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one of the longest-running cloud computing platforms, having been an industry leader for over 10 years. It is the most popular, capturing 67% of users, according to RightScale’s State of the Cloud Report 2019. Amazon cloud services include a vast array of tools and capabilities, from developer tools, security and compliance, the Internet of Things (IoT), and customer engagement, to machine learning, game tech, and robotics.

Amazon Web Services also has a very large network of data centers all over the world, thought to be the largest of all cloud services providers.

In terms of disadvantages, AWS has an overly complicated cost structure that some users find confusing. It is very easily possible to be charged additional fees for services that are not needed. This can be particularly problematic for businesses running high volumes of workloads on AWS. Additionally, AWS is very focused on public cloud services, meaning that it is not optimal for those who are looking for a hybrid cloud structure.

Amazon Web Services is most suitable for businesses that want to work on the public cloud. With the world’s largest network of data centers, they are a good choice for businesses in more remote locations, as well as any business that is looking for a fully comprehensive range of cloud services.

Microsoft Azure

Another leader in the cloud services market is Microsoft Azure, a cloud computing platform that integrates seamlessly with Windows. Designed to work perfectly with Microsoft software, it is a great choice for the many businesses that run on Windows.

Azure also has extensive cloud infrastructure that is designed to interoperate with data centers. This means that if your business has its own data center, you can easily use Microsoft Azure for cloud services under a hybrid system. However, Azure has been criticized for not being as well-developed as some of its competitors, with users complaining about issues with documentation and training.

Microsoft Azure is perfect for corporate businesses with a solid enterprise background and exceptional Windows support, as well as significant discounts for existing Microsoft enterprise customers. It is also great for businesses that run their own data center and are therefore looking for a hybrid cloud service solution.

Google Cloud

A later entrant on the cloud services scene, Google has applied its technical expertise to create a large number of tools, including some that are at the cutting edge of the industry, incorporating deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics. This makes Google Cloud the market leader when it comes to tools that use the latest technology, as well as offering well-balanced scaling and loading.

On the downside, as a newer player, Google Cloud has fewer data centers than AWS or Microsoft Azure and also offers a smaller range of tools. Given this, Google Cloud is not really geared toward corporate clients. Rather, it is most suited to DevOps firms and high-tech businesses that are looking for the latest tools. It also makes a great choice as a secondary cloud services provider for businesses looking to supplement their existing service with cutting-edge technology.

Still not sure which cloud computing platform is right for your business? Contact us to learn more about our cloud services.